I have been on the “Coroner’s Diary” marathon watch for the past 2 weeks, so I’m sharing with you some of the shots from this beautiful series (think… murder mysteries/procedural series meet palace dramas) along with my babble on why C-drama is that sister. I took the screenshots from the IQIYI app; unlike Netflix, IQIYI allows the viewers to take screenshots, and they even have danmaku feature on the app so you can see others’ comments on the scenes, etc.
First off: The framing. One thing I noticed about C-dramas is how often they played with the elements and their background. They incorporated the background into the scene along with the actors and actresses, making it painting-like. This scene is my favorite.
I mean, I took the screenshot below by accident as I fumbled with my tea mug, yet it still looks pretty.
A couple more shots showing their framing (it’s so beautiful ugh).
Honestly, you can just close your eyes and click the screenshot button on any scenes, and it would come out beautiful.
Secondly, green flag couple. No nonsense, no prolonged misunderstanding, no weird love triangles, just pure bliss and giggles while we are watching these cuties. We all love Qin Wan/Shen Wan and Yan Chi here. Love how we have a romantic couple with equal standing and healthy communication. Yes, girl, we love our green flag couple.
I also love the second couple: Yue Ning and Yan Li. These two are chaos. Greenest flag ever, pure friendship and “fake husband and wife, genuine brotherhood/sisterhood.”
I really appreciate the characters in this drama. Yan Li/Prince Li is always mentioned as “a prince only in a name”. He received the title as a prince due to the previous Emperor’s mercy and gratitude for his dad who protected the previous Emperor in a battle. He always sees himself as an outsider from the Imperial Family, and only when he’s with Yue Ning, Yan Chi, and Qin Wan/Shen Wan can he laugh and be himself. This man is goofy AF, but really reliable when Yan Chi needed his help gathering information and warding off spies.
Also, Qin Wan/Shen Wan in male clothing! She looked so good! Considering ancient China at that time, Qin Wan/Shen Wan’s standing as a noble lady would not look good on her profession as a coroner; so, her wearing male clothing in public while on-duty is expected.
ALSO, LOVE THE SISTERHOOD! I love how C-dramas always portray sisterhood in such a delicate manner, yet with strength. Girls’ girl. Fu Ling is the best.
My only problem with this series is the sudden influx of new characters in the middle of the series. I’m on episode… 20? 22? During the New Year celebration, and there were like 3-4 new characters that suddenly appeared. My brain was unable to keep up (“WHO IS THISSSSS?”) Also, staying true to palace drama-style, one person can have multiple names. Be prepared with (real name) but called as (prince/princess of something something), and (second/third/fourth/fifth/whatever number out there sister/brother.)